People Share 50 Personal Life Hacks That Have Considerably Improved Their Everyday Routine
In many places around the world, people feel busier than ever. Over half of Americans (52%), for example, say they're usually trying to do two or more things at once and six in ten (60%) feel at least sometimes that they're too busy to enjoy life.
So perhaps unsurprisingly, if you've been on the internet long enough, you know that folks like to promote tips that will supposedly make your everyday routine a whole lot easier.
However, one Reddit user made a post asking people to share the life hacks that they've come up with themselves—and may have kept a secret. Here are the best ones that they received.
This post may include affiliate links.
If your child watches the same DVD over and over so many times that they know it by heart, switch the language and let them learn Spanish.
My sister did this for her son with Cars. She quickly realized she’s sick of hearing it in Spanish too. Still a great idea, though!
My 5 year old does this on her own; it's pretty cool, and I'm happy she is interested. I was older when I started having to learn a new language, and I hated it by that point! This is great advice!
When I moved to Sweden with my 3 kids they were 7, 6 and 4 and they were fluent in Swedish within 6 months. It took me a LOT longer lol
Load More Replies...Did you know that children rewatch movies because they're learning to find deeper meaning with every iteration?
This. I can see it with my kids over the years. We usually watch Ice age and they find new deeper jokes and meaning every time.
Load More Replies...Yeah, doesn't work. I used to watch oddball foreign movies constantly when I was a tiny kid. My dad's a weirdo. He only read to me in German. He bought me German Asterix comics, which I read. I used to watch Norwegian cartoons. There was an Italian cartoon, who's name escapes me, that I was obsessed with. I gained only the ability to parrot languages and recognize languages well. I suppose, it's a baseline if anything for further study, but passive learning doesn't get you fluency.
Yeah I did it with video games I had played millions of times - Spyro etc in Italian and all I remember is ‘caricimento’ (loading)
Load More Replies...I would like to know if anyone has actually done this and dealt with the upset child this is sure to produce.
When someone says something outrageous (racist, mean, hurtful, whatever), do not respond at all. Go completely silent. Leave their comment hanging there like a fart. Let them marinate in what they just said.
kymikobabe:
Hear me out, or
Repeat exactly what they’ve said out loud back to them. Say nothing else after. It gets them thinking.
As a black woman whose recently moved to Australia I’ve had to adopt this approach instead. It’s been a wonderful strategy.
I say "I missed that - what did you say?" sometimes, I ask them to repeat it again with a puzzled look
That’s such a bad strategy. It’s like the people who try to pull “EXCUSE ME?!?” all incredulously like you didn’t hear the rude s**t someone just said straight to your face. It’s so cringe even when you’re not the a*****e.
Load More Replies...I've found that meeting a racist comment with silence only allows the racism to grow. That s**t needs to be met head on and called out. I hope it makes them uncomfortable. It should.
I agree with you, Tamra. In my experience, the only way to stop bullying is to strike back.
Load More Replies..."Do I have that right, you said, '.....'" - this is a classic teacher mind judo move I used on the regular.
And if they say yes, say please do not say that to me or in my presence again. I find I can't just leave it hanging there or I feel complicit.
Load More Replies...This one is golden. Just give a confused look, and say, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t quite understand. Would you mind explaining that?” And the. Let them sit in their own reframe…
Load More Replies...There's a great documentary about Daryl Davis, a black musician, who has loads of ex-kkk members robes after convincing them to change, not by confronting but by befriending them. It's incredible to see how he has met hatred with kindness and willingly hung out with people who don't believe he has a right to exist.
The problem with the second approach is that when someone says the N-word, I have no interest in repeating it.
Can't have him arrested for being a racist, but you can get him dragged off to jail for assault!
Load More Replies...My fave has been: "Did you just say x?" Walking away after is even better.
No matter what size bed you have, get a duvet that’s at least one size bigger.
My dude and I have a queen sized bed and 2 twin sized comforters. It's great! No more tugging blankets off each other at night.
I have a twin size bed and have a full/queen. Comforter, it's a game changer
I finally upgraded a queen to a king comforter after my last wore out, now my problem is if I want to stick a leg out to cool off some it takes some time to get out from under it.
Load More Replies...California King. I believe there are even bigger bed sizes, also.
Load More Replies...Yes!!! I always buy king size sheets for queen size beds too; it eliminates the thievery lol.
Anytime I am getting up, I am taking something with me to put it back where it belongs.
Going to the kitchen? Taking empty mug with me.
Going to the bathroom? On my way out, taking laundry with me to the basket.
Helps keep things tidy and it doesn't feel like I'm working at it.
Stop for a second, hold your head still, and make your eyes look back and forth. It sounds dumb, but it actually helps you recall things and use the logical side of your brain. Similar eye movement stuff is actually used in treating PTSD and helping people with ADHD and ADD.
Load More Replies...I have fatigue issues and do this. Whenever I get to a new room I look about and make a note of anything that needs taking elsewhere. It's really helped me keep on top of things better with only a small extra energy expenditure.
My trouble is I forget there's a cup there. My eyes don't see it. When I wonder where all of the drinking vessels have gotten to, my spouse just sighs and heads off to my home office. The one I just left to get a drink in the kitchen. It's like the dastardly cups and glasses are taunting me!
ABC. Always Be Carrying. That said I don’t always do that, so do as I say, not do as I do. 😀
If you’re feeling sluggish or down in the dumps go for a walk or get out in nature, even if it’s the last thing you want to do.
I was like this until I got dogs. If you're not in a situation where you can have a dog yourself, there are many charities that you can volunteer for to walk dogs for elderly/housebound people. IN UK main one is Cinnamon Trust. You get to hang out with a dog and see their joy in the outside world and it really helps. From someone with Major Depressive Disorder and Complex PTSD. Before I started volunteering I would stay in my house and not talk to anyone for at least a week at a time. Now I have 3 rescue pups of my own. Knowing you're doing at least one useful thing in the world makes you feel a bit better about yourself too.
Load More Replies...Tell yourself you will just walk halfway down the block. When you get that far, you can make it to the end. Having fought major depression all of my life I can tell you this works. If nothing else you will have walked up and down in front of your house. At best you will walk a couple of blocks.
Yes! Do this! When I was in really bad shape mentally, my first and most important step out of it was to set up one rule for myself: Get out once a day. No matter if it's just buying cigarettes or walking one round around block. Leave the house at least one time a day.
Erik Schrerder, a Dutch neuroscientist, promotes this a lot. Getting your heartbeat a bit up(so walk with a firm tempo) and using your muscles is good for your brain. It activates parts. Also keep learning new things/skills to keep your brain challenged, it makes you brain more resistant to memory related issues.
I have a nice bit of public park land just outside my house and it's amazing to walk. I will have to take some photos for each season this year
Try some photos of the same things/places at different seasons & in different weather conditions - they're great to look back on & compare.
Load More Replies...Exercising in general boosts your brain chemicals, in some studies better than meds (but don’t stop taking meds unless okd by your healthcare provider!). I started working out daily, even on days I didn’t want to work out. On days I was so tired I just wanted to sleep. But I never left class feeling worse than I went in, and now I am 50 pounds lighter, I am mentally better than I ever have been, and am so passionate about it, I bought the studio and teach others. I make so much less than I did at my old job, but I feel so much better.
This doesn’t work if you have chronic fatigue. But you can try sitting outside and get as much daylight on your skin as possible - and don’t wear sunglasses. Obviously if it’s very sunny it’s better to be outside and in the shade, but I’m talking about the UK where is impossible to even get burnt in the sun 11.5 months of the year! I’d be so interested to know if fatigue affects as many people where it is sunnier? As it always helps me if it’s not too hot and sunny and I’d love to move abroad.
When I get back, I'm in even more pain, my blood sugar is somehow HIGHER, hay fever has my nose streaming and I'm cold and wet... Gee, so glad I didn't have a cup of tea while watching an episode of something I really enjoy.
I'm such an urbanite I'd be worried about my carbon monoxide level falling.
If someone is rushing you, they're scammers who don't want you to stop and think. Are some situations objectively urgent? Yes. Is most urgency manufactured? Also yes.
This could also be great advice for dating! No one actually interested needs to rush things.
I was talking to Rocket mortgage trying to get a loan to buy the house we were renting at the time. Told the guy on Friday I was taking a weekend with my family and would not be taking calls until the next Tuesday. He called 5x every day. 2nd call Monday I answered and told him to lose my number, I was going with a different bank. I don't do pressure sales, even for something I need. I'll find a different vendor before I give them a dime
Years ago, a charity canvasser on the street asked if they could talk to me. I said “no” and they got really snippy with me. Dude, you asked! (For the record, I donate monthly so I’m not anti charity donation)
And please if you are uncomfortable saying no to a sales person on the phone but want to just hang up! I find the older generations are targeted as they were raised to always be so polite. Sales people capitalize on that
If I feel it's too rushed I insist on getting a pamphlet or a web addy so I can read up on the seller's point myself. When they say that it's not available then I just walk away from the situation. Asking for written proof is what gives my brain enough time to realize that this is not a good thing and I need to just walk away. So when they say that there is no pamphlet or the website is only accessible to comstumers my mind is over all the "trying to be polite" and well into "just say no and walk away". (I am so scared of confrontation/the possibility of making other ppl angry, but this tactic works wonders for me).
The best way for me to deal with loneliness is actually not to pursue platonic or romantic relationships actively, but to keep myself busy working on and developing my interests.
(Additionally, it's important for me to do this both in a solitary and semi-social way - taking classes, joining groups, etc. However, I don't use these semi-social outlets to make friends per se, but as a way to just be around like-minded people.)
I find actively pursuing relationships when I am in a state of loneliness stress is a recipe for bad outcomes. I always meet the best people when I am more at peace with my life. Also, one of the big perks of having a relatively slow social life is time for personal development and working on interests.
I am fast approaching 60 and have had my heart crushed many times, but I've also been lucky enough to find two loves of my life. Met the first one at work, so to speak (we were teenagers selling ice cream on those bikes back in the '80s), and the second one playing trivia in a bar (at lunch with my autistic son, not partying). We were together for 24 years, just lost him a year ago. Point is, I wasn't looking for either one at the time, they just fell in my lap. Never give up, but don't spend your every waking moment trying to find love or a new friend, whatever. Trust me, the people you NEED in your life will appear somewhere and somehow, believe it.
As Neil Diamond would say, “I'll be what I am. A solitary man, solitary man.”
That's great... The closest class costs three grand, my other interests are solo or do not have social options...
Don't go to the supermarket hungry.
Don't go to the grocery store on an over full stomach without a list. You'll not want to think about food, look at food and you'll for sure cut your shopping trip short and forget a bunch of things.
I'm like this when I've eaten I can't decide what to have for dinner because I'm still full from lunch.
Load More Replies...Shopping when hungry also tends to mean you buy snacks and indulgent items rather than meal ingredients, so bad for your budget as well.
Unless you are not particularly food motivated. It doesn't work for me. I won't get enough.
Similar mindset of don't browse subscriptions for [adult material of an erotic nature] when horny.
Go into store, buy $1 sweet, stand to side somewhere, eat it, then go get basket and shop. Spent an extra dollar on snack but will save many dollars on extra groceries!!
Balance on one foot while you brush your teeth or wait for your dog to go pee or wait for the water to boil. Good balance is a really important physical skill especially as we get older and I find it can serve as a mini meditation session.
Yeah, I tried that for many weeks as part of my physical therapy on a badly damaged ankle. It was quite quite difficult / impossible at first. But it really did help.
Load More Replies...If you cannot do it, start by lifting your heel. Stand only at your ball on one side, proceed step by step until your big toe barely touches the ground. Then continue by pressing your instep to the inner side of your other leg just above the ankle until you can do it freely. Feel like loosing balance? Don't step down to the ground, again regain balance by pressing the instep against your other leg.
My doctor tells me that being able to stand on one foot for 30 seconds is a good predictor of how well you will age - I try to stand for a count of 60 just in case
I go for a walk when I brush my teeth. Close my eyes and walk on the spot, picture myself doing a familiar walk like the walk to the printer at work, or going downstairs to the kitchen etc. or a walk around the garden. The two minutes goes by very quickly and it’s very immersive. Gets my steps up too
I do a deep squat when I brush my teeth. Helps me stretch out and feel awake.
Go to thrift stores the week before Christmas and the two weeks after Christmas.
The first week is all the stuff people threw out to make room for new things.
The second week is all the stuff people threw out because they got newer versions.
My parents used to have us gather up toys we had outgrown to send to goodwill about a month before Christmas.
Load More Replies...If you're looking for the nice stuff in thrift stores, go first thing in the morning. You have to be quick, though. That's also when all the resellers are shopping and they are usually found rummaging through the fresh racks.
I wish we had a thrift store mentalility... Charity shops (UK version) are 999/1000pc jigsaws, a shawl three people died in and glass ornaments nobody has room for.
Tues and Wed the rest of the year, especially during yard sale season in the spring and fall. That's when stuff donated on the weekend starts making it to the sales floor
I adopted a snippet of conversation from the movie, Bridge of Spies. At three, separate points in the movie, there is this fragment between Hanks (the Lawyer) and Ryland (the Spy) (whose birthday is today, too): Lawyer: You don't seem to be worried about «event». Spy (after a short pause): Would it help? I like that. There's no point to getting your knickers in a twist over events you have no control over, cannot influence, etc. My life is considerably more relaxed with that attitude.
If you step into dog sh*t, whether you yell and curse, or stay calm, it makes no difference. Either way, it's on your shoe.
But if you hurt yourself, swearing and cursing actually help to feel less pain, your brain being busy with swearing as well as dealing with the pain. The diversion technique
Load More Replies...A saying that I made into a poster above my workspace: WORRY IS NOT PREPARATION
Worrying actually makes me procrastinate more, and I am already the queen of procrastination.
Load More Replies...Karl Valentin, a famous German comedian once said "I am happy when it rains. Because when I am not happy, it still rains." And remembering this in some situations completely relaxes me.
Yeah, just like we choose to be worried by problems. My uncle is badly ill and I can do nothing about it but hey, there’s no use worrying, right? s/
There are three types of events. Those you cannot influence, those you can indirectly influence and those you can directly influence. Don't worry about the first one, try the second and work on the last.
No one said it was easy, but that doesn't mean you can't work on it.
Load More Replies...Like Newt Scamander said, " my philosophy is worrying means you suffer twice"
"worrying is like a rocking chair. Gives you something to do, but never gets you anywhere." Erma Bombeck
I'm not a worrier I worked in a supermarket all through COVID and never worried once about it. I had to tell friends to stop doom scrolling about it because they were scaring themselves. Although if a family member or friend had caught it yes I would be worried, I'm not heartless. I just don't worry about things that haven't happened.
On the flip side... As someone with severe anxiety telling me or someone else it's not worth being anxious about doesnt help. Believe me we don't want to be anxious and have tried using every reason imaginable to not be. All while being told what we are worried about is stupid. Yes we know.
Whenever I open spices, baking soda, oil, whatever I use my designated kitchen sharpie and write the date on the package. Expiration is one thing, but open forever in the pantry is another. I also will mark “MIP” (more in pantry) on top of containers of food/ ingredients that I have a back up of in the pantry. This way I don’t over purchase.
Yeah, that sounds like a great thing but I know myself. When I get to the shop I will get the feeling of "I wanted something". Something important. Something we don't have anymore. Something we don't buy that often... YES! We were out of baking soda (or vinegar, starch, oil,...! I'm so proud to remember it. I will take it and when I'm there I will take a second, just because it is something we don't buy that often and I'm sure I will be unable to remember it next time. When I get home, I will be the hero, who remembered to buy baking soda. And I will put it next to another 7 bags, because the thing we ran out of yesterday was cocoa. We ran out of soda a month ago and I remembered it on every other trip to shop...
Learned that dating habit when I studied chemistry :) Also I'm sometimes curious to know how long a tin of baking soda (etc.) actually lasts.
On the side of our fridge, have a list of herbs and spices in the cabinet for refilling the bottles on the spice rack. Once we empty the packet/pouch/giant jug we cross it off the big list and put it on the shopping list. After finding several brand new, duplicate packages of certain things my daughter couldn't find and thus assumed we were out of, the list is law lol
I have a marker to date when I bought canned/tinned foods and those in glass. Sometimes the use by date is so teeny tiny, so marking it I know which ones to use first.
When I don’t feel like cleaning, I put on a watch me clean show on YouTube and somehow within 10 minutes I get up and start cleaning. I need to try that with exercising next.
Try watching the show Hoarders, it'll definitely either motivate you to clean or just out right disturb you,lol.
It def gets me thinking about it, but I can't walk away from the train wreck.
Load More Replies...I can stare at the wall for hours and not be bored
Load More Replies...Lucky you! They just make me want to EAT cakes and bread, lol.
Load More Replies...I just get put off even more 😑. If I don't want to do it, why is watching someone else recorded going to inspire me to want to?
The exercise one might not work as well as the cleaning one, since a lot of the content you'll find is just a bunch of roided up people with massive eating disorders trying to gaslight you into thinking they're healthy. Their results are unobtainable by the vast majority of the population, whereas with the cleaning videos, those results are super obtainable.
I drink a glass of water while I wait for my morning coffee to brew. I am very not in the mood for water, I want coffee. But I'm surprised at how much better I feel with that minor amount of rehydration every day.
I do the same thing. I start my coffee percolator on the range top then brush/floss my teeth. I wait 30 minutes for my coffee to brew and my teeth to be ready anyway so I drink a blender bottle full of water (about 700ml) during that time. On the weekends I also tidy up my house during that 30 minutes. Starts the day off on a good note.
Always in the morning we must drink a glass of water before everything!
Also, a bottle of water you drink out of as you passs. I have a 2l bottle I do this with. Dehydration makes everything suck.
This very evening I learned that with dinner, water is the main drink and wine is the side drink.
It also helps to make your urine less concentrated, making your trips to the restroom less frequent.
A cup of warm water first thing resets your ph balance in your system.
Im not a scientist but that doesn't sound right to me
Load More Replies...I'm a guy. I used to constantly lose keys, wallet, phone, whatever. Things seemed to disappear from my pockets, I swear. I got over myself and started everything in a bag. Friends call it a purse, I could give af. Now everything's together when I need it and nothing gets lost.
That's what my GF calls her purse, so yeah, it's a purse, who cares?
Load More Replies...For people with multiple bags who're prone to leaving things in the wrong bag, my bag-obsessed friend keeps all her essentials in a zip lock bag, which she can just move from bag to bag without worrying about missing something crucial.
Came here to make this comment. Not disappointed that someone else made it!
Load More Replies...Never seen one with trousers, but upvote for the mental image!
Load More Replies...Get a nice backpack (not the hiking ones, just a ordinary). You can pack everything and you have a bag to transport shopping, books, whatever.
My 60-year-old hubs used to wear a f***y pack everywhere. Yeah, I know. He refused to wear any kind of "bag" but went through f***y packs like they were going out of style (I know!) by stuffing all of his worldly possessions in the poor things. EDIT: LOL! Love the censorship still flowing through BP's veins. It's a f*a*n*n*y pack, deal!
I had underarm pouch, it was amazing. Good for keys, wallet, bottle of water, book, phone... and it doesn't look like a purse.
As someone from the US, I think this is only (or primarily) only a US issue. When I'm in Europe, I see men with shoulder bags all the time, and no one is trying to shame them. It just makes good sense. They're also not adverse to pink and lavender shirts, at least in Ireland the UK, and they always look brilliant. All of those guys in the US who delight in being shamey are weird.
Go to the grocery store early in the morning. Less people and sometimes you can find some awesome clearance deals.
It was for the lack of crowds. But I nearly got hit by the big pallet movers being driven a few times. I hate Walmart no matter the time of day or night.
Load More Replies...Or, if you work at a grocery store, ask to work the early shift. Get your day done early at a slower pace and meet interesting people who know how to organize their day.
Depends, where I live it's usually the time all the elders go shopping - stores are absolutely crowded with them in the morning
But 9am on a Monday is no good, because the deliveries haven't been shelved yet!
This is decent advice but please dont be there waiting for the door to open. A lot of places only have 1 cashier upon opening and most of those clearance deals are not even marked down and on the sales floor yet...
Pass / Fail Mondays I’ve found over the years that Mondays seem to be challenging for me. I tend to be a little less motivated, a little less energetic, and a little less positive. I now make Mondays Pass / Fail. There are no grades on Monday. I make no major life decisions on Mondays. If I find myself worrying or obsessing about something, I tell myself to set it aside and pick it up again on Tuesday. In order to “Pass” a Monday, all I have to do is show up: - Show up for my workout (it doesn’t have to be great…but I do have to show up) - Show up for work (I don’t have to be great, but I do have to show up) - Show up for my family (even if I feel tired or grumpy, just be there…maybe explain I’m tired and will feel better tomorrow) It’s saved me lots of Monday anguish.
Damn i have read this yesterday night, sunday night with absolutely no motivation to begin my week. And i kept telling myself this morning, just show up for work, don't bother with any important decision. It's been a really cool monday so far. I'am totally adopting this ! Thanks a lot !
Being unhappy at work nearly lost me a job, my family don't deserve my grump and I have ruined many projects by 'just showing up' and not being right for it... This system may work for some folks, but for me it's what got me into the mess!
When I want to leave a party early, I book a ride without telling anyone. So when the ride comes I just go "my ride is here I have to go!" So I won't go through the entire hour of parting rituals like standing at the doorway chatting etc.
I live by the Irish goodbye, and I have Irish heritage so I can fully own it
Load More Replies...Just do a German exit - knock on the table, say goodbye and walk out
LOL my spouse is German - that might have been the entire extent of the dinner conversation for some of the family!
Load More Replies...That's the Irish goodbye. I tend to do the Midwest goodbye. "Whelp. It's gettin' t' be about that time." And then you don't move for an hour or so. Until the host says, "Watch out for deer." Then you go.
Load More Replies...Because: being polite after having just accepted someone's hospitality
Load More Replies...Just tell people you have diarrhea. They won't try to talk you out of leaving - they'll help you get your coat on, and open the door for you.
As was said in older times, "Don't be a "Party Pooper"!
Load More Replies...I find it easiest to have friends who I can just say 'catch you later' hug and go. Anyone who needs to say goodbye to the goldfish three times needs to figure out why...
I never ever ever sleep in my bed in my “outside clothes”. As soon as I come home, I wash my hands, feet and face and instantly change into my “home clothes” and only then get into my bed or sit on the couch. Makes me feel cleaner, cozier and more in control of my routine and life in general.
But isn't that normally done? I mean when i get home I change into my home clothes and when I go to bed I put on pajamas.
My husband kept his suit and tie until he went to bed, then he retired and now he's wearing PJs. LOL.
Load More Replies...Agree changing clothes is important after work; for me it’s a kind of separation from that part of my life and going to “home” me
Still chuffed over being able to take my bra off without needing to remove any other clothes first. 45 years of it.
I work from home so all my clothes are home clothes. :) I do put on "daytime" clothes, but they are quite similar to my pajamas.
As soon as i get home its pajama pants and a white Tshirt. If i have to run to a store, who knows if its pj pants or pant pants lol
Back in my radio days I had bjj and boxing so it was eork clothes, gym clothes, home clothes. Construction obviously id change into non work clothes and now in Healthcare obviously I'm not gonna stay in my scrubs. Always a reason to change through the day.
Mel Robbins' 5 second rule has worked wonders for my ADHD: When I can't get myself to get started on something I need to do, I count down backwards from 5, like a NASA rocket launch (where she got the idea). It works like a charm! I think it breaks me out of my trance and helps me to switch gears.
I start counting back from a thousand to start my chores, and if anything interrupts, like a cloud passing by in the sky, I have to restart.
I know, I've been working on the same countdown since 1967.
Load More Replies...The only 5 second rule I'm familiar with is for when you drop food on the floor. :)
I mentally kick my own b*tt and call myself names."Come on, you lazy b*tch, move your fat a*s!" Will try the countdown next time.
"So, auf geht's, pack 'mers, los jetzt, auf auf" ... in Germany we have many terms, apparently we need them.
Load More Replies...I should try this, my other option is to tell myself to get my thumb out my bum and my mind out of neutral. Or yell at myself.
I clean as I cook, so when I'm done; the counters are clean, dishes are in the sink soaking, and I got nothing left to do but enjoy the food.
I try to. But sometimes the food is ready fast or needs my constant attention so I am not able to do a washing up.
Reminds of the "A**l retentive chef" skit on SNL with the late Phil Hartman, he cleaned so much ne never actually cooked anything.
Load More Replies...That’s what a close friend working in the restaurant industry told me. From school, they were taught to keep their working space clean.
All I hear is Coullet from Ratatouille, "Keep your station clean!". And yes, in kitchens, keeping your work area clean is essential.
Load More Replies...And prepping. Measuring things out into bowls, cutting ahead of time, etc
Always. I hate a messy kitchen and I can’t enjoy my food if I know I have to get up and clean right after.
I wish someone could convince my mom of this! She's like the Tasmanian devil in the kitchen. And then there's a massive mess to clean up afterwards.
Agreed except for "dishes soaking in the sink" I have to wash them right away or they'll be forgotten, and I'll have to try to keep my stomach down next morning reaching into the congealed swamp. I am morally opposed to dishes left soaking. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Soak your dishes in fresh soapy water by putting those in first and washing other dishes in the meantime. I promise, no matter what the dish soap commercials have told us, that it only ever takes 5 minutes of soaking in hot soapy water to lift dried stuff off.
On Thanksgiving and Christmas I washed dishes and utensils as I cooked. Was nice not to have a pile of pans and dishes to wash after dinner.
When I'm at home, my keys and wallet always go to the same location unless I actively need them. That way I always know where they are.
I always got everything in my pockets. Always the same pockets. If I have to leave home in a rush, there's only two possible ways: Either I am half naked, or I got everything I need with me.
I don't even wear "outside" pants at home, just leggings or yoga pants, bc it's more comfortable. Having keys in my pockets all the time would drive me crazy.
Load More Replies...I have a bowl for myt keys next to the door, it also holds my sunglasses. Wallet is always in my purse, purse always hangs on the chair. I came from far, but im glad i did, lol.
"silent Butler" -- tray or shelf near the door, that holds important things such as keys, wallet, etc.
I got one of those retractable ID badge lanyard things for my keys. They stay attached to my vest at all times.
Wallet stays in my bag but the keys go on a dish (and a very pretty one too I might add) on the bookcase. My husband leaves his wherever. Guess who doesn’t have to play ‘hunt the keys’?
I always put all my stuff I carry in my pockets on my dresser so if I need to go somewhere they are right there and I can grab everything and put them in my pocket and go.
I drop my keys as soon as I get home, and my keys are attached to my wallet by lanyard. And I used to lock my keys in the car, I now wear a separate lanyard with extra keys.
I bet these little changes have made a significant impact on your life in a positive way. I too put my keys and wallet in the same place everytime I come in from outside, and it has made things much easier for me.
Load More Replies...
If I need to remember to take something the next time I go out, I put it with my car keys.
Just a suggestion...get a decorative bowl or something and always put your car keys and other essentials there. Create the habit. That way they are always there, so no more looking for them when you are running late or in a hurry.
Load More Replies...I tried that. I even went so far that I put that important thing on the keys. Well... my brain is amazing in solving the problem of "keys obstructed, remove obstruction" but not so great in thinking about what was the obstruction.
I never take my keys out of my pocket except to use them. Have never lost them. If I need to remember something, I put it on the floor by a door, so I have to step over it. Hard to forget then.
Good idea, except wouldn't work for me. My cats would play with them under the couch or bed. My dogs would bury them in the backyard.
Load More Replies...I do that with my vitamins, but still somehow forget to take them. I put my vitamin complex on the coffee machine and don't see them while making coffee in the morning.
It was not uncommon to open my mom`s fridge and find mu car keys next to my ham or fridge buys. It really does the trick!
Get one of those key finder doo-hickies on Amazon. You stick it on as a Keychain and when you press the button that you keep where ever, it makes the doohickey beep loud. Now you just need to not lose the locator button lol
I place things by the door so I can’t get out without tripping over them.
If you don’t have the mental energy to meal plan/make a list before going to the grocery store, go to the international aisle, choose an intriguing ingredient (noodles, sauce, etc) and use the recipe on the box to finish your shopping and make dinner. The grocery store is literally full of recipes!!
Yes, let me buy nine ingredients I will use a fraction of for one meal... There goes that pesky budget!
Found lasagna recipe on back of lasagna noodles box. Never would've occurred to me to try making homemade lasagna otherwise.
i have a huge stash or home made pasta sauce in the freezer. if im clueless or screwed up my planning, i defrost one and cook spaghetti. Live saver.
We also have an emergency kielbasa in the fridge - you can cut it up into a pasta sauce, cook it in the microwave or steam it in a pan, and in a couple of minutes have a heartier pasta or meat and veg.
Load More Replies...Or you can cook on the weekend for the week. We cook two main dishes for to choose between for dinner on Saturday for the upcoming week. Then there's no having to cook each night, relying on restaurant or fast food, or other last-minute decisions, unless we want something different as a side dish.
It's only a little thing, but I have attention issues and I lose stuff constantly. I got a new set of bluetooth earbuds that come in a little back charging case. Lost them about 4 times in the first hour that I had them despite having barely moved.
Got some glow in the dark star stickers and taped them on. Now the little box stands out in general, and a lot of the time when I lose it in a room I can just turn the light off to see where it is.
They have glow in the dark nail polish. I use the for anything black that gets lost easily. Like the remote. Car key fob. AirPods case. Humidifier remote. Anything & everything gets a stripe of glow in the dark nail polish.
I have neon pink fabric tape, originally bought for my stirrup irons (for my pony) to make them hi-viz ("Be Safe, Be Seen!"). I kept losing my vape (black), so I put a band around the ends and it's SO much easier to locate!
Get a neckband instead. This is a wireless band that rests lightly on your neck with the earbuds attached to wires that hang down your front. Many have magnets so that when not in your ears, they cling to each other. Just pull them apart and put them in your ears to listen. They are great because they don't fall down or get lost since you are wearing them. Search Amazon for wireless neckband Bluetooth earbuds.
LOL! I don't like wireless earbuds for the very reason that I lose them. But I never thought to buy wireless earbuds, then pay more for wires! Brilliant!
Load More Replies...Always keep a couple of bottles of water and basic snacks in the car. You never know where or how long you might be stuck in traffic, especially in larger metropolitan areas. I was stuck behind an 8 car accident on the interstate. Early part of evening rush hour, between exits and heavy rain. Sat there for 3 hours and was so grateful I happened to have snacks. Now I always have some in the car.
Also an empty thing for emergency bathroom breaks. As a woman I'd have no clue yet how to use a cup to pee in secretly/succesfully but I'd rather have something than nothing. Especially with kids. I usually have empty bags in the car which could work to catch the spillover. Maybe I should get one of those peebags or liberpee thingies.
Yep, the empty pee vessel saved me last winter. I commute over a mountain pass for work and it got shut down for 6 hours, it wasn't easy to use while sitting in a car with a steering wheel in your lap but it was better than squatting on a road full of vehicles.
Load More Replies...I always bring food and water, mostly because I have kids. Always bring extra, non perishable stuff but wouldn't feel good about leaving it in a car. Cars get hot even in cooler weather. Plastic bottled car water ends up tasting like... plastic. And also car, somehow. No thanks. That can't be healthy.
Well, sometimes "plastic-tasting water" is much better than "no water at all". Also, you can use it for cleaning.
Load More Replies...This is kinda unrelated, kinda not, for it might work with the "empty pee vessel idea" too -- if you're expecting anyone carsick in your car, a Tupperware-type container that has a tightly sealed top is great for containing barf (and can be big enough to aim at) -- you won't have to smell it the rest of the trip because you can just seal it in. It could, alternatively, be a "pee vessel" for women who'd have a tougher time with an empty Gatorade bottle.
You should be a bit selective about the location, but you can empty, and rinse, such a container soon after use.
Load More Replies...I'm a guy so creating "trucker bombs" is no big deal............as for snacks, I have kids and the seats are full of goodies.
Don’t start your day with sugar - it helps reduce cravings throughout the rest of your day and your snacking will take a back seat. I think it’s spiking your glucose early that does it. Start with something savory and packed with protein.
I tend to start my day with a lie in and a bit of swearing at my alarm clock. Works for me
I have a memory foam mattress that I added a memory foam topper. Just getting out of that bed is a whole body workout.
Load More Replies...Meh, I tend to have a very late breakfast besides coffee. I have problems to eat in the first hours after waking up. It's easier to bring me to eat if the food is sweet, especially baking goods.
It actually makes you more energetic throughout the day if you start a day with very early breakfast with lots of complex carbohydrates and protein
Load More Replies...Carbs make you hungry... Strange, but true. Once you burn through them, you want more.
Every single post on BP has an "eat more bacon" subtext! Or that's how I read them, anyway.
Load More Replies...I learned that in most countries American cereals (froot loops, cinnamon toast crunch, Cap'n crunch) is considered candy.
In the US Subway sandwiches have bread that's nearly considered candy (at least in Ireland, anyway).
Load More Replies...
Folding my T-shirts to fit vertically in my drawer, like a filing cabinet. That way I can see all my options at a glance and pluck out the one I want. Figured this out 30 years ago. Turns out Marie Kondo reco’s the same approach.
A lot of these "new life hacks" have been known for years. But, hey it is helpful to those unaware.
Load More Replies...I hang mine. I hate folding them and I have so many. It also helps that I have a whole wall that is just a closet.
def better! Dry them on hangers and then just hang them in to the closet!
Load More Replies...Some drawers are not deep enough, I tried with mine and they are taller than the drawer.
This works, except when you pull one out the rest fall over. I roll mine up.
I roll mine up. Can't stack mine that well, so I roll 'em all. Helpful as 1/10 will smell funny for no reason and it stays self contained.
I recently converted to folding long and short sleeve t shirts in a simplified Marie Kondo way. Now, I don't have to dig through a stack of shirts, since that always messes up the folds in the other shirts in the stack. I also fold them with the front side out/up (so any print on my printed t's show in the drawer) and I can see which is which. This also protects them from wrinkling better than the tall stack and they fit much more economically in the drawer. (Wow, I'm just finding out now that I'm suddenly passionate about folding - please do not tell my friends.)
Say less. People will over explain and give you the advantage.
Make an intentionally (but possible) wrong assumption and people will feel the need to correct you. It is also easier to correct than totally explain.
Better to stay silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Just show up. Whether it's for your job, your BF/GF, your sports team, your parents, whatever. Just showing up, even if you're empty handed, even if you can't play, even if you're not totally prepared for the meeting, just show up. Bailing on stuff and not being present is the worst thing you can do. Always show up.
No. Do not 'JUST SHOW UP' of you are not prepared. You hold the rest of us back, make us look bad for being with you and put additional strain on the people turning up with what they are meant to! I am the sap supplying six other people!
Unwritten number one rule when it comes to being hung over. No matter how bad you look: show up! Will the boss not like it? Definitely! Will you loose your job? Not when you show. (Of course this doesn't apply for doing it every other day.)
When you call out, you leave your work buddies on the hook for your assignment. Very soon they won't be your buddies at all.
Load More Replies...And always invite people to things, even if you know they're going to say no. My elderly mother-in-law has started saying no to coming over for dinner for a "girl's night" since her rheumatoid arthritis often flairs up and makes her prefer staying home. But we still invite her periodically and she always feels great that we're thinking about her. We tell her to tell us anytime she wants to run away, and we'll grab her. The rest of her family simply stopped asking her out because she says no so often now. It's socially "showing up" for your loved ones, no matter their mood.
Also if you don't show up for home town events or home town shops, you will be sorry when they aren't there for you to enjoy later.
I need to adopt thus mantra.... very little seems worth it until it catches up to you (ie jobs)
Do you really think they’re talking about everyone with every possible condition or circumstance without exception? Or can you see that maybe they’re talking about the average person under typical circumstances?
Load More Replies...Wash your pillowcases every time you do laundry. If you struggle washing your bedsheets weekly, at least have clean pillow cases for your face. It helps keep your skin cleaner too.
Skin issues , so I need to change mine daily. At the beginning of my week I put all 7 on there. I take one off each night.
This is probably a ridiculous one: using less soap than how much you think you really need. I used to not think about it in the shower but for the past year I started to and I’ve stretched out shampoo and body wash by twice the length of time while achieving the same cleanliness.
Not only that but there's way more toothpaste in the tube than my husband thinks there is. After squeezing all you can out of it, you can it open and still get a couple more uses out of it!
And shampooing your hair everyday dries out the scalp. Taking a soapy shower everyday dries out the skin. I just rinse with water every other day and let the oils in the skin and scalp do what they are meant to do.
I play a little game after a container is what the manufacturer wants us to think is "empty". Cut it open, add a little water, store it upside down, whatever... and count how many days you can use it before buying another. You will be shocked, and save money!
All plastic tubes like face / hand creams etc. Cut them open when they are empty. You'll find loads stuck inside.
We cut the bottom off of our nearly-finished hand lotion bottles and use a little spatula to scoop out every bit into a little metal dish. We use that "bottom of the bottle" lotion that the pump can't reach for a full week before the little dish is empty. Terrible waste with the pump bottles.
How do you determine it's the same level of cleanliness? Do you have a cleanliness meter?
I know somebody who hasn't used shampoo in years, but they have fine hair that's not oily. A fraction of the shampoo and a bit more elbow grease should work for just about everyone. The same is true for toothpaste. If you look like you've got an advanced case of rabies when brushing your teeth you're using more toothpaste than necessary. The advertisers idea of a big fat blob the length of the bristles is about 5 times as much as necessary. paste-65e5...e20884.jpg
I do this with body wash. Use a container with a hand pump, and a plastic scrubby pouf. Your soap will last a while.
I put scrunchies around my wrists to wash my face, so the water doesn't drip down my arms.
They even sell special towel scrunchies for this specific reason. I've seen them on Amazon.
Thank you! I will have to go and buy scrunchies now, but small price to pay
That stray drip down the arm has been my pet peeve for ages. Thank you! Life changing hack for me.
I just shower before bed and wash my face then, or use a microfiber facial wash cloth.
Don't do anything important or make any major decisions while you're either hungry or horny. a full belly and empty balls will save your life.
Or under the influence of alcohol, dRuuGss, (or strong emotions as Uncle John states below).
32 years sober and I've never heard that. Maybe a regional thing?
Load More Replies... My personal lifehack: For upcoming exams that require memorization, I just read through the paper once in morning, noon, afternoon and evening. Don't try to forcefully remember, just read, maybe out loud if can't focus. Over several days, the brain naturally remembers it effortlessly. This of course requires doing it ahead of the exams at least 1 week, try to break the bad habit of studying rushed the night before the exam next morning with this. Repetition is mother of all learnings.
Even better is to write down exactly what you need to remember. I once made a huge grocery list then forgot to bring it with when I went shopping. I remembered everything on it, except for ketchup!
I log in to my local supermarket online and add everything I need to buy to basket and as I'm going round the store and putting stuff in the trolley then I remove the item from the online basket. So I know exactly what I need to get
Load More Replies...I always heard teaching is the best way to learn something. So I'll teach my dog, or even an intimate object
This comment is too low. 10% retaining is hearing it, 40% is writing it out, but it is 100% when you have to explain it to someone else
Load More Replies...So, to memorise stuff, memorise it... Gee, why didn't I, with a medically impaired memory, think of that? Sarcasm aside, use all three learning styles. Read it, say it (so you hear it) and write it down. This is studying 101
The top students in my school would take good clear notes during class and read them for 10 minutes everyday when they got home. They never had to cram for an exam.
When I worked at a dry cleaner, my customers were always astonished that I remembered their names. Well, I asked their names, they told me their names, I wrote down their names, and when I put the orders together and racked them it was more repetition. This is really a good hint.
Pack a "go bag" with everything you need to live for a week and keep it in a convenient location in your home, office or car. I spent most of 2023 dealing with a massive medical issue that had me getting admitted to the hospital with zero notice more than once and having a hospital go bags saved my a*s more than once too.
Also, keep in it a copy of important papers (insurances, copies of ID card..) just in case you had to leave your home in an emergency such as a fire or a flood and you can’t be sure to get those things back. Piece of advice heard during a civil security training by firemen.
Photograph your important documents, and store them in the cloud, and you have copies even if you lose your go bag and your phone.
Load More Replies...Also a document with name, DOB, address, next of kin and their contact info, and a list of any medication and dosages you're on. In UK your NHS number is useful, in the US I guess your insurance provider if you have one. I also have a list of my diagnoses and the likely relevant implications, a copy of my Advance Directive (a document stating your wishes re: your care should you end up incapacitated), and a copy of the document showing my parents have Power of Attorney (Health) over me (they will follow my wishes as in the AD which my treatment team may well be resistant to, it just gives my AD a bit more weight, I trust them 100%) - my medical situation is a bit abnormal and potentially precarious ++. Oh, and I have a few days of meds because I'm on some obscure ones that hospital pharmacies NEVER have in stock.
Keep a list of all your meds on your phone including vitamins and supplements. If you end up in the ER it’s much easier to hand them your phone than try to remember everything. On the same list have emergency contacts with phone numbers and your family doctor’s info.
We’d been promising ourselves for years to get a fireproof safe and finally did it. Not cheap but all our important stuff is safe in the event of a fire.
my place burn in january, so things i learn : thanks whoever, I kept my external hard drive in a sealed and fireproof box in a different room of my pc and I make a backup every Sunday, my important papers are scanned and stored in a waterproof metal box, I have a bag of spare clothes at work, shoes included, just in case. what I should have had as a habit : keep all doors closed, store/clean the place as much as possible and not attach myself as much to objects :/
I've seen advice about keeping a grab and go bag or tote with at least a few days worth of pet supplies, in case you and your fur babies have to leave in a hurry you can just toss it and them in the car and go.
My favourite phrase for keeping me calm about things is “Not my circus, not my monkeys”. It’s amazing how often it puts things in their right place. I also always run cold water under the collander when draining spaghetti so the steam doesn’t burn me.
My dad always says "that's not my part of the ship ". Don't know why, he was in the air force
Thats why! It literally wasnt part of his ship lol /s
Load More Replies...Always run cold water when pouring boiled ones to the sink, it will protect your plastic pipes.
My trick in school was to write some thing over and over again. The repetition of writing it made it so easy to recall.
Say it out loud while you are writing it down. Then you are saying it, hearing it, and writing it - 3 ways to take it in.
While you’re doing that, add a beat and make a song out of it! My grade 4 teacher made up songs for our 7 and 8 multiplication tables because so many kids were struggling with them. I’m 31 now and I still remember them perfectly :) (“7x7 is 49 🎶”)
Load More Replies...When I was taking practice exams for professional certifications, I would write out the answers I missed twenty times.
Interestingly, writing by hand helps you remember stuff *more* than typing it. So hand written notes are better than tapping away on your laptop. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414241-writing-things-down-may-help-you-remember-information-more-than-typing/
Thus teachers making you repeatedly writing vocabulary words over and over as homework. 👍
When pouring sugar, flour, etc from a bag into containers I always do it in the sink that way if anything spills ( which seems to inevitably happen ) it’s easy to clean up.
Or on a clean plate so if you spill you can dump it back into the container/bag. Seems like a waste to do this. I actually have a piece of heavy duty tin foil that I use n reuse for this purpose. Way easier to fold, empty n clean.
I've got some silicone baking sheets, they roll up nicely to chute the flour back in the bag
Load More Replies...During canning season, you can get a funnel designed to help fill jars, and use it for everything. The opening at the bottom is a couple of inches across, and the top is about 5 inches.
The magic erasers will clean off tennis shoes. The sides of the soles. A little water on the foam eraser is all it takes.
Capelily:
Dry magic erasers are also great for cleaning lampshades.
RankedAverage:
To add on: Magic Erasers are a brand name. Stop buying them. They're like $8 for three in stores but online you can get bricks of them (24+) for $3 and they're the same thing.
I tried the cheap ones and I found they just crumbled. Back to Mr. Clean brand for me.
Yep. Several different brands and nothing comes close to being as durable as Mr. Clean.
Load More Replies...Magic Erasers are just melamine blocks. And while some of the generic ones are cheap and crumble, you can still find amazing ones that cost a fraction. Read the reviews of other buyers, and don't buy any that don't have reviews. Solved!
I just went to Amazon just now and ordered 52 off brand eraser sheets for $9.99. The real brand was like 6 sheets for $10
I worked in a grocery store. Magic Erasers were great for cleaning the Plexiglas on the coolers.
Pre-washing the blender by adding soap and water to it, then turning it on.
Do it as soon as you are done with the blender, then it will be clean in no time
And stick blenders and food processors. Even the little hand driven ones for diced onions you pull a string to use. Before they dry out, bit of water, tiny amount of suds, and spin away for a second. By the time you actually "wash" it, it's mostly done.
Load More Replies...Why have I never thought of this before? I do it with my milk frother and cafetiere.
Thats disgusting, y’all have to take it apart there’s tiny bits of food in the crevices that will rot. All blenders are demountable.
My husband taught me that if I like something, relatively inexpensive, buy it in several colors.
I learned this one the hard way when a style of underwear I liked was discontinued right when I needed to buy replacements. Then the same thing happened again after I finally found a new style to wear. Unfortunately, this made me overcompensate, and I now have four dozen pairs stored away for when the ones I'm currently wearing wear out, LOL.
Not sure about this one as it is a pretty good way to overconsume. For things you actually need; socks, underwear, dishcloths etc: sure. But for a lot of things goes that we don't need zo many
Every morning I spend 10 minutes cleaning something before I go to work. Dishes we left to soak overnight, folding laundry we air dryed, organizing the coffee table. A little adds up to a lot.
I got a French press for my morning coffee. I set a 5 minute timer and while it brews, I clean my kitchen. The system is working very well for me!
Sadly I'm not motivated enough to do anything but the basics in the morning. I like my sleep too much!
I empty the dishwasher before I leave, it's way better than doing it when I arrive home
When browsing recipes online, hit the print link to skip the extra chatter. Save it as a PDF or just keep the link for the straightforward version.
What's the deal with people having to tell their life-story before revealing a recipe? No one wants to know all that. We clicked on the link to get the recipe.
Apparently it is about optimising google searches to show your recipe first. Not sure how it got into that state but here we are it seems.
Load More Replies...If you have an android, use the Samsung Food app. Can save everybrecipe by sharing. Also changes how many portions, different conversions (original, US, metric), and you can personalise the recipe. Save ir in different collections and plan your week. Now it sounds like I work for them! I don't. I've been using it for about 3 years and goodbye note books.
TIL. I didn't know you could save it as a PDF. I'll have to check next time. Unless someone is willing to give me a hint on this?
To save as a PDD go to print and change the printer to PDF. Or use Samsung food if you havena pc or android. Just wrote a comment in it.
Load More Replies...This recipe was not told to me by a shaolin monk, but I like to think it was because one of the ingredients makes me think of showers. Same thing, right? Anyway. The main purpose of this meal is to feed you and your family, but if you don't have a family then you can still cook it for some reason. They probably don't police this so don't feel the need to panic if you...
I stick a piece of painter's tape on the lid of leftover containers and write the date it was put in the fridge.
Comes in handy while using those margarine tubs 😁
Load More Replies...I freeze all my leftovers so I don't need to worry about them spoiling and have an easy meal if I ever don't feel like cooking
This is actually something required in professional kitchens. Everything refrigerated needs to be dated
Load More Replies...I have ADHD so staying on task is very difficult. I’m also the type of person who works best under pressure so this helps a lot. When I need to get something done that I’m dreading, I set a ridiculous countdown on my phone and try to do the task within that time frame. Example: Fold all my clothes in 1 minute, make my bed in 20 seconds. This has helped me more than medication actually lol.
I tried this. I also have horrible ADHD. but it literally gave me so much anxiety n then I'd get really upset when I wouldn't be able to finish things in the allotted time. I would give myself longer to finish things. But then the whole time I'd be thinking about the timer & just rushing to get things done. It just didn't work for me. I started carrying a little memo pad around n now I just go down my list n check things off in order. If I try to skip something or I try to start something new w/out finishing the last thing, I'll correct myself n stop the new thing n return to finish the first thing. Sometimes it doesn't work. But it helps. ADHD sucks. Especially when coupled w/ anxiety.
I don't use the timer as a limit it HAS to get done in. I use it as a minimum time. So for instance, the 2 minutes my food is cooking I HAVE to wash dishes at least 2 minutes. If I want to continue I can. But if not, it's fine. I get credit for dishes that day. This helps a ton bc getting started is my biggest issue and I overestimate how long and hard tasks will be. Usually, at the end of 2 minutes I'm so happily surprised by how much is getting done, I finish up.
Load More Replies...Alexa has helped me tremendously. Every day I have her remind me at 4pm to wrap it up, at 4:15 to get dressed, and at 4:30 to get my lunch and leave. Remind me in 10 minutes to turn off the curling iron. Remind me in 1 minute to flip the steak. Remind me every day to take my meds. Cancel my free trials in one week. I know A lot of people think Alexa spies on you, but there comes a point when your life is unmanageable and you don't even care about that. Just tired of being late for everything all the time.
Hey google, set alarm for 3 minutes (say it's to remind me to turn off the trickle of water I turned on in the tub for the cat to play in it for a little - mostly she just stares at it transfixed). I set google timers for anything and everything. I have one set today for Saturday's Ireland rugby game. And my phone alarm doesn't spy on me at all. I have about 10 regular recurring alarms on my phone for various things. I just have to remember what they're for.
Load More Replies...That is the truly frustrating thing about ADHD - you see someone have great success with a strategy (truly awesome for them) and that same strategy does nothing for you. It's a lot of fumbling around until you stumble on a strategy that wakes the brain up.
I feel like this is what the meds are for. To teach your brain and body to function properly and make good habits
That's one way the meds helped me. If I'm juggling 3 tasks, and go to start another one, now I can say, "Stop! Go back and finish something before you start another project".
Load More Replies...I do something similar. If something is in the microwave or conventional oven, I'll wash up, dry or put away dishes, or take out the trash while the food is cooking. Saves a lot of time in the long run.
I would do this with little tasks like showering, and even making do dates in school assignments a day or two earlier so I could make sure I got it done on time. It works really well for me if I’m struggling to focus or be motivated!
Putting I little bit of tp in the toilet before number 2 to combat splashing.
A little bit of tp before nummer 2 also saves from post cleaning the bowl
It also works if you are pee shy in a public bathrooms and don't like to be heard, muffles the sound.
I used to be pee shy. Now I'm too old and tired to care and proudly pee like a horse.
Load More Replies...Have done this for decades. Nobody wants diluted pee splashed back at them. 😬
So this is why people are running out of TP so fast. They're using it before and after :P
When hanging a shower curtain minimize the strain on your arms by attaching the curtain to the rings at the ends first, then one near the middle. Now you can attach the remaining rings to the curtain without having to hold the full weight of it.
For curtains, I have a great tip. First of all, do not get curtains with attached hoops, loops or hooks. Plain is the thing you want. When you hang it up, use crocodile clips and make sure that you have n^2+1 (so 3, 5, 9, 17, 33,...). Put one on each end. Finding the half is easy now, put another clip there. Oh, finding another half is easy now, put a clip there... You will have the curtain up in one quarter of measuring where those clips belong.
Fun fact: "n *squared* + 1" does not mean an odd number. n has to be 1.414 to end up with 3 clips if you want to have n^2 + 1 clips.
Load More Replies...Strain on your arms from holding up a shower curtain? They weigh 200 grammes or so ....
Some of us have arthritis in our shoulders and just putting our hands over our head can be quite painful.
Load More Replies...Our shower curtain is removable, so I just hook all the rings on the curtain and then slide the whole thing on, hang it up.
Depending on the hardness of your water, whether you use a liner, the material of the curtain and how wet it gets, you should wash your shower curtain (delicate cycle, hang it back up to dry) as needed. Our water is hard and we develop the pink yuck on our liner and the parts of the curtain that get wet.
Load More Replies...Depends on how flimsy it is and how week the ringpoints are. You may need to use painter's tape and a pair of stools.
If the rod is permanent attached to the wall, you can't do that. Otherwise I was going to suggest that.
Load More Replies...Washing your face isn't for your faces benefit. It's so your hair doesn't get greasy as fast. Wash your face and you'll get an extra day without needing to wash your hair. Change the menstrual cup in the shower. Get as messy and bloody as you want and dump that blood down the drain. Bonus: Forces you to take a little shower morning and night and we all feel grosser on our period anyway. Take vitamin D. Just do it. Use the washcloth to do your regular body cleaning stuff in the shower. At the end of the week use that washcloth to do a quick wipe down of the bathtub edge and sink and get a fresh one. Really freshens up the bathroom without needing to get into total bathroom cleaning mode. Towels get sanitized in the wash and dryer just fine. Do whatever you can to make your life more efficient. For example I keep a dirty rag in the garage just for wiping down my backup cam that always gets covered in salt and dirt. Always needing a stool to get the casserole dish down? MOVE the casserole dish. We don't think to do these things but adjusting your living area for your convenience does wonders for your mental health. Don't be afraid to assess and rearrange stuff to how you actually use it.
Do not take vitamins randomly because it sounds healthy. There are some you can overdose so go and see a doctor to talk about it.
Vitamins A, D, E and K are solvable in fats, so you can overdose on those easily. The rest is solvable in water, so you will pee out everything you don't need.
Load More Replies..."Washing your face isn't for your faces benefit. It's so your hair doesn't get greasy as fast". As someone with naturally greasy hair, I assure you washing my face does nothing for my hair. If I don't wash it every day, I look like I haven't washed it for a week.
I think your face does in fact benefit from washing. It might be better to say washing your face also benefits your hair.
It absolutely does, if you’re washing it right. Removing makeup, sweat, dirt and pollutants from the day is a good thing, because they can clog your pores and cause breakouts, infections, premature aging etc. I have no idea why OP is claiming the only benefit is for your hair, that’s not true at all and very easy to debunk 😅
Load More Replies...I disagree that 'Towels get sanitized in the wash...' I'll never use the same washcloths for household cleaning as I use for my face and body, and I don't wash them together, either.
Same here. I have separate wash loads for dark towels, kitchen towels, and utility towels.
Load More Replies...Also the Same washcloth all week ??? No, you need to change it after every use. But yes to using it to wipe down the soap you just left behind. Same with the hand towel at the sink. You're washing it anyway and it's just water and soap.
What nonsense is this about washing your face keeps your hair from getting greasy?! Complete nonsense. I have a very short pixie cut and my scalp oil production could probably supply a small country. My face, on the other hand, has dry skin. No idea what OP is smoking. 🤷
New washcloth every use, I use a towel until I'm doing a load of clothes that could fit in a towel or two. So a new towel every few days. But I would never dump a menstrual cup down shower drain. I take a bath at night just to sit (plus a shower in morning) and i feel like I would have to wash the tub every time I dumped a menstrual cup so it would be easier for me to just dump the cup in toilet then take a shower. But that's me. You do you.
If I moved all the things that a step ladder is needed to reach, I'd have empty upper shelves and overflowing lower cabinets. Some of us are simply short.
I am so grossed out thinking a washcloth that has been used on a body for a week is now used to wipe down the sink!! Used rag for toilet, maybe but if I am wiping down anything in my bathroom it is getting wiped down with bleach cleanser.
When I was a teenager (many years ago) I watched this commercial about car insurance. It had Ickey Woods in it. He was waiting in line at a store to get deli meat, and they called his number. He started dancing and singing and celebrating in the store that it was his turn. I didn't know who Ickey Woods is, but I guessed he is a football player who is known for showboating. Anyway, that commercial got me thinking. They were making fun of him celebrating all the time, but WHY NOT? Why not celebrate the little things in life? If you wait around for big things, you will never be happy. So I celebrate the little things. My turn at the store? Heck ya, party time. I let myself giggle over the little inappropriate things in day to day life.
Here’s a really impractical weird one my friend just taught me - if your cup of tea is too hot to drink, grab every single metal teaspoon out of your drawer and put it in the cup. Wait 1 min, then remove the spoons - they will have absorbed enough of the heat that your tea will now be cooler. You will have many spoons to wash but at least you can drink a nice cup of tea first 😂
Load More Replies...Here's one I learned recently for doing percentages in your head: drop the final zero from both sides and multiply what's left. Eg 30% of 70: 3 x 7 = 21. 70% of 80: 7 x 8 = 56. Only works with numbers ending in zero but enough to calculate a quick tip or tax.
Mine is "if it only takes a minute, do it now" like taking an empty packet to the bin, or putting something away. Small jobs now save bigger jobs later
I have a "Critical Mass" at home. It's an empty cigar box with: glasses, keys, watch, wallet, etc. There is also a post it notepad and a pen. If I have to remember to take or to do something before I leave, I wrote it there.
My life hack for cleaning is to keep a set of cleaning things in every room. Just some cleaning spray and paper towels will do, it can be tucked away in a cupboard or in a bucket behind the door. that way when you see something that needs a clean you can do it right then instead of having to go to wherever you keep the cleaning stuff which can be an effort when you are fatigued/depressed.
When I was a teenager (many years ago) I watched this commercial about car insurance. It had Ickey Woods in it. He was waiting in line at a store to get deli meat, and they called his number. He started dancing and singing and celebrating in the store that it was his turn. I didn't know who Ickey Woods is, but I guessed he is a football player who is known for showboating. Anyway, that commercial got me thinking. They were making fun of him celebrating all the time, but WHY NOT? Why not celebrate the little things in life? If you wait around for big things, you will never be happy. So I celebrate the little things. My turn at the store? Heck ya, party time. I let myself giggle over the little inappropriate things in day to day life.
Here’s a really impractical weird one my friend just taught me - if your cup of tea is too hot to drink, grab every single metal teaspoon out of your drawer and put it in the cup. Wait 1 min, then remove the spoons - they will have absorbed enough of the heat that your tea will now be cooler. You will have many spoons to wash but at least you can drink a nice cup of tea first 😂
Load More Replies...Here's one I learned recently for doing percentages in your head: drop the final zero from both sides and multiply what's left. Eg 30% of 70: 3 x 7 = 21. 70% of 80: 7 x 8 = 56. Only works with numbers ending in zero but enough to calculate a quick tip or tax.
Mine is "if it only takes a minute, do it now" like taking an empty packet to the bin, or putting something away. Small jobs now save bigger jobs later
I have a "Critical Mass" at home. It's an empty cigar box with: glasses, keys, watch, wallet, etc. There is also a post it notepad and a pen. If I have to remember to take or to do something before I leave, I wrote it there.
My life hack for cleaning is to keep a set of cleaning things in every room. Just some cleaning spray and paper towels will do, it can be tucked away in a cupboard or in a bucket behind the door. that way when you see something that needs a clean you can do it right then instead of having to go to wherever you keep the cleaning stuff which can be an effort when you are fatigued/depressed.
